National League of Cities Supports Federal-to-Local Funding Structure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association commended the National League of Cities (NLC) for passing language in their 2018 National Municipal Policy expressing strong support for preserving Head Start’s federal-to-local funding structure.

“The National League of Cities’ action shows that city leaders value the flexibility Head Start’s current federal-to-local funding structure gives their communities,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “Head Start kids and families benefit from both the local decision-making powers and the consistency of the nationwide Head Start Program Performance Standards that are built into the current system. We commend NLC for recognizing that there is no need for Congress or federal administrators to change what has worked well for decades, and we look forward to partnering with them to protect Head Start’s future.”

About NHSA

The National Head Start Association is a not-for-profit organization committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in school and in life. The opportunities offered by Head Start lead to healthier, empowered children and families, and stronger, more vibrant communities. NHSA is the voice for more than 800,000 children, 250,000 staff and 1,600 Head Start and Early Head Start grantees in the United States. ••• Media Contact: media@nhsa.org

In Recent News

Nearly 20,000 Children and Families Impacted by Delay in Accessing Federal Funds

Washington, D.C.–Over the last week, a growing number of Head Start grant recipients have reported significant delays in accessing approved grant funding. While most recipients have not had major disruptions, a large number of recipients still continue to receive ‘pending’ or ‘in process’ messages when they request to draw down funds from their grant. As…

Read More

Federal Grant Freeze Puts Head Start Children and Families at Risk Nationwide

Update as of 4:00 p.m. ET, January 28, 2025 – Following the release of additional guidance and clarification from the Office of Budget Management, Head Start agencies are not included in the list of federal grants and loans whose funds are frozen. Agencies have been able to access funds through the Payment Management System (PMS). Washington, D.C.—Last…

Read More

NHSA Reacts to GAO Report on Interim Management in Head Start

NHSA reacts to the GAO report outlining recommendations for improving the oversight of interim management of Head Start grants.

Read More